Ourselves Podcast
Ourselves Podcast
Ourselves
Music Video Legend Turned Netflix Director: The Untold Story of Anthony Mandler
2 hour 24 minutes Posted Sep 19, 2025 at 1:00 pm.
Starting Late: The Journey to Directing
Breaking Stereotypes in the Creative Industry
Building Trust with Artists
Navigating the Music Video Industry
From Photography to Music Videos
Building Iconic Music Video Careers
Breaking into Directing
Navigating the Music Industry
Collaborations with Jay-Z and Rihanna
Creating Cinematic Music Videos
Jay-Z's Honest Feedback
Reworking the Song for Impact
Rihanna's Early Career and Breakthrough
Creating Iconic Music Videos
Collaborations and Creative Processes
Reflecting on a Memorable Motorcycle Shoot
The Challenges and Triumphs of Filmmaking
Navigating Product Placement in Music Videos
Transitioning from Music Videos to Commercials
Breaking into Feature Films
Kendrick's Impact on Fashion and Music
Building a Production Company
Navigating the Film Industry
Making 'Monster': Challenges and Triumphs
Lessons from a Seasoned Director
Directing Styles and Future Projects
Directing Actors vs. Musicians
Balancing Courtroom Drama and Real Life
Challenges and Triumphs of Filmmaking
The Future of Filmmaking and AI
Setting the Scene: A Sci-Fi Thriller on a Greek Island
AI in Filmmaking: Revolutionizing the Industry
The Future of Film: AI vs. Traditional Methods
Fatherhood and Filmmaking: Balancing Passion and Family
The Evolution of Filmmaking: From Analog to AI
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Show notes
In this episode, I sit down with legendary director and visual architect Anthony Mandler, the creative force behind some of the most cinematic music videos of the last two decades. From shaping the visual identities of Rihanna and Jay-Z to helming award-winning features, Anthony shares a masterclass in creative evolution, relationship-building, and artistic reinvention.
We unpack his late start in directing, his transition from photography to music videos, and the bold moves that defined his career. Anthony opens up about navigating the gatekeeping of the music industry, crafting stories that blur the line between cinema and music, and the pivotal moments that led to timeless visuals like “Disturbia” and “Holy Grail.”
This is more than a career retrospective. It’s a blueprint for longevity in an industry that’s always changing. We also look ahead to the future of filmmaking with AI, explore the emotional toll and triumphs of directing, and reflect on fatherhood, fashion, and staying ahead of the cultural curve.
 
 
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